The MML Review March-April 2022

The Michigan Prosperity Roadmap Last fall, the Coalition for a Strong and Prosperous Michigan did exactly that when it unveiled its plan, called The Michigan Prosperity Roadmap, via a statewide virtual news conference. The coalition used its news conference to lay out a bold vision for Michigan by proposing to leverage the state’s nearly $6 billion in ARP funding in ways that capitalize on the economic value of thriving communities, advance equity, build community wealth, support entrepreneurship, prioritize the need for talent, and spur business development. Funding Recommendations To meet these ambitious goals, the Michigan Prosperity Roadmap focuses the state’s ARP in five key areas: infrastructure, fiscal health, thriving communities, strong economy, and public health & safety. Specific funding recommendations include: • $2.5B for resilient and sustainable water systems • $500M to improve high speed broadband access • $800M toward supporting smart investments that provide stability for state and local government • $805M to increase access to attainable housing and community development • $910M toward economic development, business assistance, building a skilled workforce, and talent attraction • $500M to support mental health, addiction services, cyber security, and restaurant licensing Since the rollout of the Michigan Prosperity Roadmap, coalition members have been stressing to lawmakers and Governor Whitmer’s office the urgent need to allocate these resources and start putting the funds to use. Michigan Laborers’ International Union of North America Business Manager Geno Alessandrini, Home Builders Association of Michigan Vice President Dawn Crandall, and DTE Energy Vice President of Corporate and Government Affairs Renze Hoeksema, jointly published an opinion column arguing that the rush to strategically invest Michigan’s ARP funds is “Michigan’s space race.”

The trio told online publication Bridge that Michigan’s leaders “need to understand that other states around the country are racing to develop and approve plans to invest their ARP funding. Every day we fail to act we allow Ohio, Indiana, Florida, and 46 other states to get ahead of us. They are positioning themselves to emerge from the pandemic on the fast track for future success and growth. Michigan cannot sit back and watch others be the first to capitalize on this opportunity. We need to lead the way.”

(L-R) Macomb County Commissioner Veronica Klinefelt and Wayne County Commissioner Melissa Daub discuss Roadmap to Prosperity proposal with Rep. Ronnie Peterson (foreground right).

MARCH / APRIL 2022

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THE REVIEW